WHY CAUVERY CALLING

The name “Cauvery” literally means “one who brings abundance.” But this once mighty river is mighty no more.

In the last year, the suffering of farmers and their suicides in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the Cauvery basin, have made national headlines. The depletion of Cauvery and the distress of farmers are two manifestations of the same problem.

Cauvery’s Depletion

Cauvery has depleted over 40% in the last 70 years

87% of the basin’s original tree cover has been lost

During the summer, Cauvery is unable to reach the ocean

70% of Cauvery basin’s soil suffers erosion

Farmer Distress

83% of farmers in Tamil Nadu and 77% of farmers in Karnataka are in debt

17 districts in Tamil Nadu were drought-hit in 2019

15 of the last 18 years have been drought years in Karnataka

Almost half the Cauvery basin suffers critical groundwater depletion

Why Cauvery Is Dying

Cauvery, like almost all rivers in India, is forest-fed. Historically, this region was covered in forests and tree cover. The soil was constantly replenished with nutrients and organic matter by animal waste and plant litter. Organic matter allowed the soil to absorb water, and thus feed Cauvery.

As Trees Disappear...
Growing human populations and inefficient agriculture practices have led to an extreme loss of tree cover and the soil is no longer sufficiently replenished. The soil no longer absorbs water efficiently and suffers erosion instead. The soil, having lost its ability to retain water, is unable to sustain Cauvery. As a result, the river is drying up. The falling water levels and dying soil are taking a devastating toll on our farmers, who suffer failed harvests and crippling debt.

Saving Cauvery

To reverse this dire situation, revitalize Cauvery, rejuvenate the soil, and improve farmers' income, Cauvery Calling will support farmers to plant 242 crore trees. It is estimated that these 242 crore trees will increase water retention in Cauvery basin by about 40%.

Rally for Rivers

Rally for Rivers, is a movement to save India’s lifelines. Supported by over 162 million people, it is the world’s largest ecological movement today. Sadhguru launched Rally for Rivers in September 2017 by personally driving over 9300 kms to raise awareness about the dire situation of our rivers. Rally for Rivers provides a comprehensive solution to save India’s rivers, and is unique in its structure as a primarily economic program with a significant ecological impact.